How to combat feather mites in chickens? - briefly
Apply a dust bath with diatomaceous earth and treat the coop using a poultry‑safe acaricide, repeating the application every two weeks until mites are eliminated. Keep feather growth trimmed and maintain clean bedding to prevent reinfestation.
How to combat feather mites in chickens? - in detail
Feather mites infest the plumage of chickens, feeding on keratin and skin debris, which can lead to feather loss, skin irritation, and reduced productivity. Early detection relies on visual inspection of the feathers and skin for small, moving specks, especially near the vent, under the wings, and along the back. Affected birds often show ragged feathers, crusty lesions, or a dusty appearance.
Control measures combine sanitation, chemical treatment, and biological options.
- Clean and dry the coop thoroughly; replace bedding weekly, remove droppings, and ensure adequate ventilation to reduce humidity.
- Treat the entire flock with a miticide approved for poultry, such as a pyrethrin‑based spray or a permethrin dust, following the manufacturer’s dosage and withdrawal guidelines.
- Apply a natural oil, for example, a diluted neem oil solution, directly to the affected areas; repeat every five days for two weeks.
- Introduce diatomaceous earth into nesting boxes and dust baths; the abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton of the mites.
- Use a predatory mite species (e.g., Stratiolaelaps scimitus) in the coop; maintain a population by providing a moist substrate and regular feeding.
After treatment, monitor the flock daily for three weeks. Re‑inspect feathers and skin; repeat a second application of the chosen miticide if live mites persist. Maintain strict biosecurity: quarantine new birds for at least two weeks, and disinfect equipment before introduction to the flock. Consistent hygiene, targeted chemical use, and supplemental biological agents together provide an effective, long‑term solution to feather mite infestations.